Inter Miami traded Canadian international defender – and former CF Montreal star – Kamal Miller to the Portland Timbers in exchange for $625,000 in general allocation money and a 2024 international player spot.

Miami could receive an additional $150,000 in allocation funds if Miller meets certain performance benchmarks. Miami will also receive a share of any future Miller transfer outside of MLS.

The move allows Miller to reunite with coach Phil Neville, who was fired by Miami in June and hired by Portland in November, and who briefly served as Canada’s assistant coach under John Herdman.

“Kamal was our number one target when I arrived in Portland,” Neville said in a statement. He brings a lot of quality and experience as a starter for Canada, having played at a high level at the World Cup and being one of the best central defenders in the league.

“Kamal is a winner who brings character and personality to us and will help strengthen our backline. I look forward to working with him again, after working with him in Miami and Canada. »

Portland (11-13-10) ranked 27th in the league last season in goals conceded.

“Strengthening our defensive group was a priority,” added Ned Grabavoy, Timbers general manager. Kamal is an excellent player, a competitor and he brings flexibility to our defense line. »

Miller spent the last five seasons with Orlando City, CF Montreal and Miami, making 110 regular season appearances, including 102 starts.

The 26-year-old from Toronto joined Miami after a trade with Montreal in April, followed by a contract extension through the 2026 MLS season, with an option for 2027. The deal earned CFM midfielder Bryce Duke and Costa Rican international forward Ariel Lassiter, and Miami also received up to $1.3 million in general allocation.

Miller earned 41 caps for Canada, including 37 starts, and was on Herdman’s roster for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.